When in town, stop by the the Welcome Center to find more information and maps about the hiking opportunities in the area.

Copper Harbor offers many trails for wilderness hiking. The mixed forests in this boreal fringe make for an ever interesting hiking experience. The woods are alive with birds, wildflowers and local critters. The “Natural Wonders” section of this website is a great place to learn about the wildlife you may observe on the trails.

You will find easy walking trails along the shoreline as well as more demanding hikes into the interior of the Peninsula. The trails listed below are rated as easy, moderate & difficult. As is the case for all Copper Harbor hikes and walks, sturdy shoes are recommended. Hiking boots are recommended for all the moderate to difficult trails.

This is one of the most popular hiking trails in the Keweenaw. Located 2.5 miles south of Copper Harbor, this trail system is a great way to spend an afternoon. The trails consist of 2 loops; the Memorial and the Cathedral. Some of the trees are so big that 2 people can’t touch hands around one! There are numerous unusual plants and flowers as well as countless mushrooms to find. Pack a lunch and enjoy the grandeur and quiet of one of Michigan’s last stands of old growth white pine. Trails are narrow and hilly in spots and there are many roots to navigate.

Another favorite hiking spot in the area. It is one of the few “flat” areas around and allows for easy hiking. There are 2 Trail-heads to Hunter’s Point Park. One is just left of the boat launch at the Copper Harbor Marina and the other is west of the marina with signs leading the way. The latter takes you to the road end where you will find a parking area and a handicap accessible boardwalk leading to Superior. There are common woodland wildflowers as well as some rare orchids. The Hunter’s Point website features a gallery and information about the park.

Lake Manganese (Easy) & the Red Trail (Difficult)

This pristine little lake has a long sandy beach and a trail that goes partway around the lake. The Red Trail which heads up by the information kiosk, is a steep 2 mile trail that leads from Lake Manganese, uphill to the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge. It’s a tougher hike, but well worth it – the views are fabulous.

Horseshoe Harbor (Easy to Moderate)
The Nature Conservancy has preserved a beautiful and geologically interesting area here. It is a superb hike through thick woods and along Lake Superior shoreline. Horseshoe is located a couple miles east of Copper Harbor on the same shoreline. There is a large basalt outcropping that allows a great vista for viewing Lake Superior. The woodland birds are abundant including the Hermit Thrush whose beautiful song can be enjoyed nightly in summer.